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CRITICAL MARKETING SKILLS TO MULTIPLY YOUR INCOME BY 10 by David Kirby	6/21/2008 at 20:19

A successful sales person knows how to "read" her customer, how to put herself into the mind of her buyer. By doing so, she is able to discover what her buyer really wants, and then provide it. The same technique can be use to promote your online business. In order to succeed in online business, you have to do the same thing to make it happens. Know what your customer wants and then speak to him or her on a one-to-one level. If you are thinking that you can’t do this, I can assure you that it isn’t that difficult. The simplest, easiest method to figure out what your customers want is to constantly study other selling activities, why some of them are successful, why some are not! Often two sales person s will offer identical or almost-identical products, but one will be a smashing success and the other, a dismal failure. Whenever you find such a situation, examine them carefully to understand the difference. For example, I offered a course product to teach the internet marketing skills online, and the results were just OK. I relisted the online course with one adjustment to my previous ad, I put the course retail price in the headline. This time it was a smashing success. Obviously, my students wanted a bargain. Where did I get this idea? Simply by studying some successful sales persons. You don’t need to be a marketing genius constantly inventing clever ploys. All you have to do is figure out what other successful ...

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MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS’S HIDDEN TREASURE by Peter Tonks	6/21/2008 at 20:18

I know what you’re thinking: "Get a grip, Tim, I haven’t got time to hunt for your so-called hidden treasure - I’ve got a business to run!" But what if I showed you how changing a few little things could make a huge increase in the number of people who show up on your business’s doorstep - interested people - to find out how you can help them? And this same thing works for institutions and not-for-profits as well as for regular businesses. Whom Should Your Clients Be? Many business owners and executives don’t take the time to identify just who - specifically - would find the most value in their product or service. Remember we mentioned the word "treasure" earlier? Well, we have to qualify it with the understanding that a select group will find the most value in what we are providing. Those who find the most value, or "treasure" are also those who are willing to pay the most for it - because it IS valuable to them! Now, a shotgun approach to marketing - that is, marketing to anybody and everybody - will bring some results, but it’s a very expensive way to do things. It’s imperative that consideration be given to evaluating our buyers to find those who find it the most valuable. For instance, five years ago a builder client had been told by his parent company to target families with incomes of $75,000, which would provide him with a profit on each house he built of about ...

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SPEAKING AT EVENTS TO BOOST YOUR BIZ by Katrina Sawa	6/21/2008 at 20:17

I started speaking at events like chamber of commerce small business luncheons, women’s groups, sales meetings and leads group meetings about 3 years ago. I found that by doing so, it really catapulted me into more of an expert role in my industry. People looked to me as more of the go-to person for marketing in their area plus I got a lot more free publicity in the local papers and business journals. Speaking can be a challenge for many in regards to the following: - Who do you speak in front of? - How do you initiate a speaking gig? - How do you prepare for a speaking presentation? - How do you know what topics are of interest? - How do you capitalize on the publicity you could potentially receive? - How do you promote yourself during the talk? - What do you bring or handout to promote yourself? - How do you follow up after a speaking gig? How do you overcome these obstacles or figure out how to accomplish them? 1. You can ask other speakers how they do it. 2. You can ask the people who book the speakers at such events, they’ll tell you. 3. You can read books and online articles about the subject. 4. You can get coaching and advice from someone who helps others on this topic. What do you do first? First you want to develop a few topics, survey an audience of people if you aren’t sure what kind of topics. Then write up a quick description or outline of a possible 20-30 minute talk ...

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BINARY MARKETING by Charen Smith	6/21/2008 at 20:16

In my youth, my father warned me about people offering you two options. Usually, they’re using two options to keep you from thinking about a third or fourth option that would be more to your advantage and more to their disadvantage. Its solid advice. Still, when it comes to the customers you do business with on a day to day basis, there really are only two basic flavors. The first group are the customers that you’ve established a relationship with, good or bad. These customers either like your company and its products, have established a loyalty to your brand, have established a relationship with your sales and support staff or, in the case of the bad relationships, have sworn off your company or its products or who have zero interest in your offerings at any price. Its good to appeal to each group from time to time to either maintain positive feelings or to try and build bridges and mend fences with the other group. The second group are the ones you’re going to be focusing the majority of your ads towards. These are the customers that have at least a passing interest in your offerings, but need to be sold on it. That’s right, the I’m talking about the modern, ad savvy consumer who is looking at the bottom line and is solely driven by self interest. These are the folks that will be scrutinizing your color printing with a critical eye and asking why they should buy from you. When ...

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MARKETING STRATEGIES - WHAT EXACTLY IS YOUR VISION? by K Summerhawk	6/21/2008 at 20:16

Great success stories start with a clear, compelling vision that pulls you forward, even on those days when you would rather sleep in... or when taking action just feels too darn difficult. But what exactly IS that vision? Here are six steps to get your vision into focus... and into your heart: Vivid Vision Step #1: Clearly explain your "what." Your Vivid Vision MUST clearly state WHAT you are motivated to achieve. So instead of the fluffy "I want to make a difference" statement, think in terms of something definitive with a time frame attached to it. President Kennedy’s brilliant and bold vision was to put a man on the moon "before this decade is out." Voiced in 1961, his vision was achieved a full year earlier, in 1969. If you’re struggling with your vision, let me ask you this, "What is it that you are absolutely, positively passionate about achieving as if you’re life depends on it and failure is not an option?" As a success coach, I’ve learned you shouldn’t think too hard-the woman business owner’s first thought is probably right on! Vivid Vision Step #2: Feel a passionate "why." To do its job of pulling you forward your Vivid Vision must have a passionate "why" behind it. Why is it so important to you? Without a compelling "why" it’s likely you won’t stay motivated when the going gets a bit tough. Your "why" is strongest if it’s linked to something in your personal life that you value highly. For example, I thought my Vivid Vision was ...

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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE FOR FREE by Poppy R Smith	6/21/2008 at 20:15

Most people these days turn to the internet as their first port of call when searching for a business, product or service. If your business can’t be found online you will be missing out on a potential source of customers. Many businesses have their own website, but for small businesses this can be a daunting prospect. If you don’t have the skills to design the site yourself you will have to pay a web designer. Even if you are able to design the website yourself there will still be costs - you will need to pay to register the domain name and to have the site hosted. All costs a small business can do without. If you don’t have your own website you can still take advantage of the internet and advertise your business online for free. Here are some ideas for ways to promote your business online - and they wont cost you a single penny. 1) Search for sites that promote your local town, village, city or region. Many of these allow a free, basic listing. 2) Search for sites that are specific to your kind of business or business sector. Often these will also allow a free basic listing. As an example, suppose you run a bed and breakfast business. Search for sites specific to bed and breakfast accommodation until you find one or more that will allow you to add your business for free. Perhaps you are an (real) estate agent. Search for sites the agents in your area - ...

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IS THE CLIENT ALWAYS RIGHT? by Paul Vesely	6/21/2008 at 20:14

Marketers are constantly walking a tightrope. Marketers are trying to get a project completed on time and to budget whilst adhering to all the client’s demands. The marketers focus is also on ensuring the project will attain results through employing different marketing strategies. The client on the other hand generally has no idea what marketing strategies to employ for this project yet they have final sign of on the project. Your client is constantly demanding things..... changing their minds, then changing them again. They are making decisions that make no sense in relation to the marketing focus of the project, yet, they are the client and as the saying the ’client is always right’. Are they? The following parable will help illustrate the point: There was once a farmer who owned a small farm in Kazakhstan. He had a cousin who lived in the U.S. who was also a farmer. One day the U.S. farmer who owned a massive ranch in the state of Texas decided to visit his cousin’s farm in Kazakhstan. When the American farmer arrived at his cousin’s property in Kazakhstan he was given a tour of the farm. Whilst residing over dinner that night, the Kazakhstan farmer asked his cousin, so how large is your farm back in the U.S? The American farmer, unable to simply use measurements to help his cousin fathom the great size of his farm, decided to explain it to him in terms of a story. The American farmer explained that if he was to ...

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MARKETING BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE GIVEAWAYS by Remy Lebeau	6/21/2008 at 20:14

There are several strategies that can be utilized in increasing the productivity of your employees. These motivational techniques range from the costly monetary rewards to the organizationally complicated employee promotions. Though one strategy that is less costly, is straightforward, but equally effective is employee giveaways. Below are the top reasons why companies distribute giveaways to their employees: 1. Improves employee morale It is surprising just how a bunch of $3 mug affect the morale of employees. You may think such a simple and cheap giveaway will not have a great impact on your staff. But the great thing with employee giveaways is that its influence is not dependent on its cost. The important thing is that the giveaway you choose is either useful or just plain fun for your people. Just remember that knowing your employees is the key, because the more familiar you are with your employees and the culture of your company, the more targeted and effective the giveaway you will be able to distribute. 2. Builds team spirit One way to develop team spirit is through uniformity. Just like soldiers wearing uniforms, a basketball team supporting the same haircut, or friends just hanging out while sipping similar drinks -- having something in common solidifies a group. And this is what giveaways can offer your company. In giving your employees similar items supporting your logo and company colors, you are developing the team spirit of your people. The giveaway serves as your employees’ badge that gives them a sense of security and ...

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MARKETING AND SALES - A MONEY GAME, NOT A NUMBERS GAME by Sean Goss	1/26/2008 at 21:30

Businesses die, if they fail to market, that’s a given. Surveys, worldwide reveal that small businesses overlook their marketing, leading to business failure. Less than 20% of the small businesses efforts, are directed towards marketing. Degrees in marketing are offered by all business schools at colleges worldwide. A small business owner however, lacks the time or resources to enroll for a marketing degree. Small businesses also cannot afford the salaries that marketing experts demand. Market research companies also do not come cheap. Courses and seminars from time to time help, but marketing is a neglected area for small businesses. Fortunately many marketing opportunities are becoming accessible, and cheaply available for small business. The Internet especially has opened many doors to small business. Particularly in website promotion, and e-zine publishing. Business owners should be aware, that website traffic, enquiries, e-mails are not enough if it cannot be converted in to sales. Also closing 5 to 10 deals a day, and creating a wide customer base is useless if these customers do not pay. The quality is what counts, not the quantity. In desperation for business, products are sold cheaply, to attract customers. I concede, at the beginning prices should be reasonable, but don’t keep prices low forever, gradually increase prices as customers increase. I recently consulted with a client, who was stressed and tired due to a project that required him to produce 300 items at $150.00 each. Total sales generated would be $45000.00. The client needed the cash, so I did not blame him. He ...

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CALENDARS AND MARKETING THE WHOLE YEAR ROUND by Lynne A Saarte	1/26/2008 at 21:29

Marketing rule number one: a marketing collateral that doesn’t get your clients to respond to your call to action is a failure. Marketing rule number two: if your target audience doesn’t see any value to your marketing collateral then it’s a failure. Marketing rule number three: if you have a marketing collateral that has these two, better re-structure and plan a facelift. It doesn’t take a genius to know that for your marketing collateral to be effective, it must be able to perform what you have created it for. I mean, a marketing collateral should be able to accomplish what you have set out as its purpose. Let’s face it. A marketing tool that is not effective is just a waste of your time, money and effort. And I’d say, particularly a waste of your money that you have earned with your blood and sweat. You have to bear in mind that a tool that is kept in your arsenal should be able to bring you success with your campaign. That’s why it’s a tool. It has a use. And it’s supposed to help you accomplish a task. Having said that, let me just say also that one of the basic and most important tool that a business owner has in his or her arsenal is the marketing calendar. But most often than not, this particular marketing tool have not been fully made use of because business owners and marketing people have not fully understood the significance of this seemingly regular material. A marketing calendar is ...

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5 POINTS IN SCRUTINIZING A COLOR BUSINESS CARD PRINTING COMPANY by Joel Owens	1/26/2008 at 21:28

Color business card printing plays an integral part in promoting your business. A good business card means a good chance of getting a potential customer to actually give you a call and try out your product or service. Scrutinizing Printing Companies Choosing a printing service may really be stressful especially if you’ve been bombarded with all these printing companies offering the same service and marketing the same products. Any one with a printer could easily say that they provide excellent service but you should be very cautious if an offer seems too good to be true, because more often - it’s not. Whether you’re still looking or you have already chosen a printing company for your project, you still need to be familiar on how these companies work so you can make full-use of their service. Here are a couple of suggestions that you may want to consider before securing your order: 1. Don’t Rush. As what our mothers would always say to us. Rush jobs or overnight printing jobs more often than not could lead to poor print jobs or cause further delay. Look for a business card printing company early on with sufficient time before events such as product launching or grand opening. This will give you enough time to study your print samples or decide with more caution which design to go with for your business cards. Overnight printing leaves little room to make adjustments. So make sure your files and design are in good order, whether you are rushing your business cards or ...

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6 WAYS BUSINESS CARDS CAN BOOST YOUR AND YOUR BUSINESS’S CREDIBILITY by Joel Owens	1/26/2008 at 21:27

As a salesman you know the sale starts even before you open your mouth. It’s about creating a first positive impression from the way you comb your hair, your posture, and even the briefcase you are holding. It’s about a multitude of small things people use to judge you. And when it comes to building your business referrals, your business card printing is no small matter. So how do you differentiate your small service business? It’s all a matter of perception. What is a business card? You may think a business card is simply a piece of card that holds your contact information. But when used in the business world, it is a tool used to get your customers to identify certain values with you and your business. What does your business card say about you? Even as a freelancer or a start up entrepreneur, you can market yourself as an established businessman. The difference between the two is seldom about the quality of the actual product or features of the service, but the peace of mind the customer gets from working with a dedicated professional. 1. It establishes your commitment to your business. Without a business card, it will seem like you are simply testing the waters. Printing your cards, your letterheads, buying a suit shows that you are investing in your business. Without these indications, it seems you are still uncertain and unwilling to make any long term investment. 2. It establishes your expertise. Flexibility is an asset, but too much flexibility makes your customer ...

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HOW TO MARKET LOCALLY WHILE EXPANDING YOUR BASE IN YOUR HOME TOWN by Walt Kolenda	1/26/2008 at 21:26

As an avid online marketer, I’m guilty of sometimes overlooking the value of expanding my business base locally and that’s what this article deals with. I’ll give you some of the techniques I’ve used here successfully in my hometown of Barre, MA and some that I plan to make use of in the future. Barre MA is a small town in Central MA of about 5000 people. Before re-locating here, I was in Readsboro, VT for about 8 years, Readsboro has a population of 4o6 in the winter and about 800 in the warmer months. It was in Readsboro that I got my first computer and started online marketing, beginning with eBay and then expanding to marketing my products and services on my own web site as well as eBay. Now Readsboro is a small town, but like most American homes, nearly everyone has a computer and Internet service, albeit dial-up. Point being that my wife and myself would always punch in Readsboro VT into the search engines to see if anything current would pop up. As you may guess, nothing much did. We reasoned that if we were punching Readsboro into the search engines then other locals must be as well, so I started to post some of my services online, before long we got hits and business from people who found us that came from nearby towns and Readsboro itself. Some of these folks had never heard of us even though we shared a town of 400, but they found us online. Some people ...

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5 QUESTIONS ON PLANNING YOUR POSTCARD PRINTING by Joel Owens	1/26/2008 at 21:25

When you want your postcard printing to give you the response you want, you need to find the right design and message to win your customers. It pays to have a thoroughly thought out campaign that sets the direction for your marketing efforts. Validate the assumptions people make about your business, disprove any false claims or image that are out in the market. Other than selling your products or services, remember that words can mean a lot of things. And these are powerful tools you can optimize. Remember these pointers on making you postcards to help point you out in the right direction. What you select to say and how you say it makes all the difference in trying to communicate to your audiences. 1. What am I selling? Products, benefits, and message - You should know about the particular product or services you are selling. The standards they were able to pass, features that make it unique, active components, etc. - You may be selling your goods, but what your customers will buy are the benefits they think they will get from the products you are selling. Build on these qualities and challenge the other brands who might claim can do better. - The message is the perception or the reputation you want your products and services to have to enhance your customers experience. This is essentially branding that will set your products apart. 2. Whom am I selling to? - Geography * For deliveries and home services, how big is the area you are willing to serve? * ...

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Blogs

Critical Marketing Skills to Multiply Your Income by 10

Marketing Your Business’s Hidden Treasure

Speaking at Events to Boost Your Biz

Binary Marketing

Marketing Strategies - What Exactly is Your Vision?

How to Promote Your Business Online For Free

Is the Client Always Right?

Marketing Benefits of Employee Giveaways

Marketing And Sales - A Money Game, Not A Numbers Game

Calendars And Marketing The Whole Year Round

5 Points in Scrutinizing a Color Business Card Printing Company

6 Ways Business Cards Can Boost Your and Your Business’s Credibility

How To Market Locally While Expanding Your Base In Your Home Town

5 Questions on Planning Your Postcard Printing

Designing Business Cards

Nurturing Your Company’s Personality Through Trust

The Power of a Market Review

Personalise Your Business Gifts with Warm Messages

Catalogs - If You Don’t Have One, You Should

Promotional Umbrellas - The Most Practical Promotional Items

Multi Usages of Promotional Umbrellas

Huge Collection of Promotional Umbrellas

Gift Baskets - A Few Easy Marketing Ideas

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